Henki Waldschmidt newsletter 2009-12-13

THE HAGUE, DECEMBER 13TH 2009 -- Henki Waldschmidt just finished a
good day of testing the Formula Nippon on the Japanese circuit Fuji
International Speedway. The 21 year old driver experienced a fine dubt
with the team of Formula Le Mans, despite...

THE HAGUE, DECEMBER 13TH 2009 -- Henki Waldschmidt just finished a
good day of testing the Formula Nippon on the Japanese circuit Fuji
International Speedway. The 21 year old driver experienced a fine dubt
with the team of Formula Le Mans, despite constantly changing weather
conditions. Later on this week, Waldschmidt will again come into action.
This time testing a Formula 3 car for the Italian based Prema Powerteam.

Waldschmidt traveled to Japan for a test in the Formula Nippon car on
invitation of TDP (Toyota Young Drivers Program). It was the Dutchman's
first acquaintance with the 4.563 meter long circuit, which main
characteristic is the long first straight and the fast corner leading to
it. After having his seat customized, the resident from The Hague made
his first meters under rainy conditions for the team that last season
competed in the Formula Nippon Championship with the two TDP-drivers
Keisuke Kunimoto and Hiroaki Ishiura.

Since he was still unfamiliair with the circuit, Waldschmidt decided
to search for the limits of the track with the Formula Nippon car.
And learned the finesses of the track fairly quickly by doing as many
laps as possible. After the lunchbreak, the circuit had dried up so
Waldschmidt continued his test on slicks. He tried out the usual setting
during this one-day test and managed to clock very competitive and quick
laptimes near the end of the day. After having used several sets of
tyres, Waldschmidt could look back on a very succesful testsession.

HENKI WALDSCHMIDT: "After my Formula 3 Euroseries season with SG
Formula, I was asked by TPD to test the Formula Nippon at the Fuji
circuit. To me, it was a complete new experience with a new team, a new
car (with Toyota engine) and a new circuit. The car and the power it has
can be compared with the GP2 Series in Europe. The main aim of the test
primarily was to get acquainted with the car and I was able to complete
many laps. The cooperation with the Formula Le Mans-team, the engineers
and my teammate was excellent. We were able to exchange lots of data. In
everything it is apparent that it is a very professional team with loads
of knowhow on board. Later on this week I will test a Formula 3 car with
Prema Powerteam. The period thereafter, we will evaluate our options and
determine which next step we will take on the autosport ladder!"